Harvard Fire Protection District news (more)
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In a recent development reported by NorthwestHerald.com, tensions have been running high within the Harvard Fire Protection District. The issue began when Trustee Joe Clarke expressed concerns about a meeting attendee potentially posing a threat, leading him to request increased police presence at board meetings. However, this request was denied by Harvard Police Chief Mark Krause.
Back in November, Harvard Fire Chief Steve Harter and Deputy Chief Don Davidson found themselves suspended for 36 hours following a critical letter they sent to board President Thomas Condon. In this letter, they described Trustee Clarke's conduct as unprofessional and hostile.
Fast forward to December’s board meeting, where former firefighter Don Carlson voiced his frustration, specifically targeting Trustee Clarke, whom he accused of engaging in bullying behavior. This, according to Carlson, was damaging the reputation and morale of the fire district's leadership team. Several other fire chiefs, such as Marengo Chief Bob Bradbury and Woodstock Chief Michael Hill, came forward during the same meeting to defend Harter and Davidson, praising their integrity and dedication.
In response, Clarke, along with Harvard Police Chief Mark Krause and attorney David McArdle, penned a memo addressed to McHenry County Board Chairman Jack Franks. In it, they accused Carlson of exaggerating facts, forcing his own son to leave the district, and allegedly reviewing confidential personnel files from his lengthy career in the village of Arlington Heights. Clarke went so far as to suggest that Carlson might be carrying a concealed weapon during meetings, which he believed posed a potential threat.
Clarke urged President Condon to officially ask the Harvard Police Department for help in ensuring order and safety at these gatherings. He even proposed that a uniformed officer be present to handle any disruptive behavior from Carlson if necessary. However, Chief Krause, after reviewing the memo alongside Condon, decided against having police officers stationed at the meetings.
Carlson, reacting to these accusations, expressed his shock and disbelief in an email to the Northwest Herald. He clarified that his participation in these meetings was purely to voice his opposition to what he perceives as a bullying trustee.
This ongoing conflict highlights deep divisions within the Harvard Fire Protection District, raising questions about how such issues can be resolved peacefully while maintaining public trust and transparency.